Speaking at the visit, CNPA Planning Committee Convener Duncan Bryden said: “It’s hugely inspiring in terms of the wide variety of approaches and techniques that have been used not just in the houses but the spaces between them – something that’s important for a community. The use of local materials especially Scottish timber and stone is very impressive.

“It’s been encouraging to see a mix of people here today – many of them young people who are the market of the future. They’ve seen what’s possible in terms of design and efficiency and will hopefully put pressure on developers to provide it.”

The CNPA is drawing up a Sustainable Design Guide to encourage everyone – architects, designers, builders and their clients – to choose buildings designed to fit in to the local landscape.

Scotland’s Housing Expo is the first of its kind in the UK and runs from the 1st- 31st August 2010 in Inverness. Visit www.scotlandshousingexpo.com